Ban on Ohio Tap Water Lifted

OHIO (KRON) — A ban on the use of tap water in the Toledo area has been lifted after tests for algae-related toxin show the water is safe, officials announced.

Residents of Ohio’s fourth-largest city had been restricted from using tap water following tests that had been conducted by both the state and federal Environmental Protection Agency that showed high toxin levels in two neighborhoods in Toledo, according to Mayor D. Michael Collins.

“A majority of areas are satisfactory, but we have two areas of concern,” he said at a news conference.

As many as 400,000 people were told not to consume, cook with or boil the tap water after a toxin called microcystin was found in the water supply Friday. Collins told reporters the advisories will remain in effect until further notice

Toledo’s drinking water comes from Lake Erie, where a harmful algae bloom that causes microcystin has been growing.

The city has set up distribution centers for potable water, where members of the Ohio National Guard, fire officials and other first responders are giving out safe water.

About 350 Ohio National Guardsmen have been activated by the governor, according to a U.S. Defense Department official, adding that they have set up three Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit sites at two high schools and a police facility. The guardsmen have also delivered ready-to-eat meals, the official said.